We’ve all undoubtedly had the notion of respect for people drilled into our heads. Of course, it’s easy to speak about such a principle. Much harder to live it.
In any event, let me humbly add another recipient of our deserved respect.
Process.
First, a distinction, it’s not THE Process, meaning we are not talking about one single, special process that is elevated above all others. We’re talking about ANY process within our value streams.
I was recently working in Indonesia at one of the largest pulp and paper mills in the world. One evening we were invited to the company's continuous improvement awards ceremony.
On a quarterly basis they recognize kaizen teams that have excelled.
A friend and colleague provided me with this tattoo parlor photo. He was passing by and just couldn't resist the irony of it all.
The lack of permanence around the sign construction makes the whole thing even more entertaining.
A couple of weeks ago, a Wall Street Journal article covered how many folks are creating computer-generated cartoons. I thought, "Hey, I can do that!" Whether or not I should is a different matter altogether...
Well, I took a shot at a hopefully instructive animated cartoon around problem-solving and what I see as one of the biggest challenges to effective problem-solving. Let me know if any of this seems familiar.
Lean is applied within time and space. That's where we "live" and add value, or not.
Among other things, vitamin C boosts one's immune system. That's pretty important, especially around the cold and flu season. But there is another type of vitamin C.
John, the Production Manager of a food manufacturing plant is having a good day. At least until the Quality Manager bursts into his office: "John, I can't believe that your operators can't put a seal on a jar."
John is surprised and replies, "What are you talking about, Steve? We haven't had to put product on hold for seals for months. I told the team that they better be careful when adjusting the sealer during the change-overs after the last issue."
Several weeks ago, a client mentioned that they were planning on establishing a “war room,” but did not especially like that name.
Maximilian Ringelmann was a 19th century French agricultural engineer. I'm guessing there's not too many of those around right now - both from the engineering discipline and country of origin perspective.
